By Johannes Mike Mupisa
The past week has unfolded like a political theatre, saturated with intrigue, suspense, and dramatic reversals.
On the domestic front within the ruling party, the simmering tensions in Manicaland have spilled into the public domain, exposing notable rifts. The political locking of horns between Presidential Advisor Tungwarara and business magnate Elder Tagwirei has been nothing short of combustible, with the former hurling stinging rebukes and venting his fury at public gatherings. Who would have imagined that these tremors would be swiftly followed by a seismic announcement from the opposite bank of the river — that Nelson Chamisa had resurfaced, declaring a return to active politics?
Hanzi Chamisa adzoka! Zimbabwean politics never fails to mesmerise. The very voices that once denied his political hiatus are now the loudest heralds of his comeback, trumpeting his return with almost evangelical fervour. Yet even within this political vessel, turbulent swirls persist. Advocate Mahere’s recent post — decrying the incessant quoting of Bible verses in political discourse — has been widely interpreted as a veiled salvo directed at Chamisa’s trademark refrain, “God is in it.” Whether intended or incidental, the statement has ignited a fresh wave of conjecture, disquiet, and despondency across both political camps.
Chamisa’s declaration that he intends to establish new structures infused with “fresh blood” has further muddied the waters. What fate awaits the old guard — the seasoned political mariners who have paddled this canoe through storm and sunshine alike? Is this renewal, reform, or political redundancy in disguise? His defenders argue that such recalibration is both inevitable and justified, given the betrayals that have scarred his political journey. Still, confusion reigns. Some political zealots audaciously allege that Chamisa is a covert ZANU PF project — claims likely fuelled by bruised egos and political insecurities, perhaps from those old wineskins now deemed unfit for new wine.
Political analyst Jasper Mhaka aptly observed, “If you want to see ZANU PF at its strongest, let there be news of a formidable opposition. They will bury their differences and confront the common foe.” In these words lies a profound insight into the delicate equilibrium that defines Zimbabwe’s political ecosystem.
Beyond politics, nature has also commanded national attention. Across the country, persistent rainfall has ushered in flash floods, wreaking havoc in several districts. In Mberengwa and along the treacherous Tugwi River, tragic scenes have unfolded — families marooned on islands, livelihoods swept away, and precious lives lost to drowning. Even after the waters recede, peril lingers, particularly for children tempted to swim in crocodile-infested waters or swollen rivers that mask deadly currents.
In Neshuro, the drowning of a young juvenile in Chipiri Dam cast a pall of grief over an otherwise vibrant community. Another red mark on the calendar of sorrow. May the young soul rest in eternal peace.
On the sporting front, the English Premier League delivered its own dramatic twists. Manchester United finally exorcised the jinx that has haunted them, dispatching both Arsenal and Manchester City in emphatic fashion. This weekend, they square off against Fulham, while Manchester City lock horns with the mercurial Tottenham Hotspur. League leaders Arsenal, too, face a crucial test. Indeed, tables have turned, and swirls abound in this theatre of elite football.
In academia, Mwenezi continues to script stories of excellence. While Lundi Christian High School and Mwenezi Government High School maintain their traditional dominance in Advanced and Ordinary Level examinations, remarkable brilliance has emerged from the remotest corners. Gukuku Secondary School, perched some 120 kilometres from Neshuro Growth Point, has risen like the morning star. With a resounding 100% pass rate at Advanced Level and a stellar ninety-plus at Ordinary Level, the institution stands as a testament to disciplined leadership and unwavering commitment.
Under the stewardship of Mr Roy Dube, the school has cultivated a culture of resilience, determination, and relentless hard work. This is a striking turn of the tables — proof that excellence is not the monopoly of urban, selective institutions. Even in the margins, greatness can blossom.
It is, after all, just a view from the mango tree.
